Why text messaging

Reach people using a common method

Confusing or unreceived notifications are one of the largest barriers to people getting and keeping benefits. The typical ways the government communicates with people often fall short. Low income households are more likely to experience housing instability, which means paper mail, already slow, can easily be missed.

Pew Research shows that nearly all adults in the US have a cell phone. Reliance on smartphones for online access is especially common among Americans with lower household incomes and those with lower levels of formal education. Of those earning less than $30,000 a year, 28% say their mobile phone is the sole method to digitally connect.

This means that for many people who rely on government services, cell phones may be the most reliable place to meet people where they already are.

Improve customer experience

Text messages can deliver concise information and drive an audience to take action quickly. Timely reminders sent via text message have been proven to decrease re-enrollment churn and save money for administering agencies.

Texting not only helps programs reach people using a nearly-universal communication method, it is a cost effective way to do so. With Notify.gov you can get started for free, allowing you to try out texting to complement your existing communications and outreach strategies.

What texting is best for

Agencies, like you, are already using Notify.gov to text about the following programs.

Reminders

Your Quality Control food phone interview is on ((date)) at ((time)). Failure to attend may lead to closure of your benefits. Call 1-800-222-3333 with questions.

Alerts to take action

Your household's Medicaid coverage is expiring. To keep getting Medicaid, you must complete your renewal by ((date)). You can renew online at dhs.state.gov…

Important status updates

Your passport has been issued at the Los Angeles Passport Agency. Please come to the desk between 1:30pm and 2:30pm today to pick up your passport…